October 1, 2026 | 1–2:30 pm ET | 10–11:30 am PT | Zoom

Overview

Have you ever found yourself carrying the stress of a demanding production, unpredictable schedule, or busy creative career? Have you wished for more ways to reset and reconnect with yourself?

In an industry that can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding, tools that bring you back to the present moment can be especially helpful. What better way to do that than through music and sound?

Join us for a session exploring the connection between music and well-being through evidence-based and experiential approaches. Discover accessible tools you can bring into your daily life to support deep listening, present-moment awareness, and full-body relaxation.

We will explore our relationship with music, learn about the neuroscience of sound, and take part in gentle movement, ending with a soothing live sound bath designed to support rest and relaxation.

Who Should Attend

All entertainment industry professionals – on stage, behind the scenes, or in creative or administrative roles – who are looking for accessible ways to manage stress, reconnect with themselves, and support their overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Reflect on the role of music in your daily life and connect with others through shared experiences
• Learn about the neuroscience of sound
• Explore tools for present-moment awareness and nervous system regulation, including mindfulness and breathing techniques
• Support rest and relaxation through a live sound bath

Important Note

The techniques and suggestions presented in this session are for general information and are not intended to replace medical advice or formal therapy.

By participating in this session, you acknowledge and accept the risks of injury or illness associated with the movement, meditation, and sound bath activities. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you voluntarily assume responsibility for all known and unknown risks associated with participating.

The AFC’s workshops provide general information and strategies and do not offer personalized advice. Facilitators may not be able to answer all participant questions.

Accessibility

ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions (35 languages) are available. If you need additional accommodations to make this event accessible, please get in touch, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Recording

This event will be recorded. Everyone who registers for the workshop will receive access to the replay for 14 days following the workshop. After this 14-day replay window, the recording will be removed and permanently deleted.

Register Now

Meet Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/they) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Certified Music Therapist based in Tkaronto (Toronto). Alongside her practice in healthcare, she works as a certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga & meditation guide, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter.

Michaela is committed to upholding an approach to care that is anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, person-centred, and 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain.

With an interdisciplinary background in theatre, music, movement, and energy-work, Michaela brings a holistic, eclectic, and playful essence to her practice. She supports people across the lifespan within both community and clinical settings, including mental health care, oncology, palliative care, women’s health, and pediatric rehabilitation. Michaela anchors her approach to community care within a framework of reciprocity, social justice, and collective liberation. Michaela strives to create a welcoming space for folks of all identities to feel seen, supported, and nourished.

Photo: Rafi Scully

The post Resonating Wellness: Exploring Music, Sound, and Well-being appeared first on AFC.

October 8, 2026 | 1–3pm ET | 10am–12pm PT | Zoom

Overview

Taxes, receipts, business expenses and fluctuating income can make managing finances feel overwhelming, especially when you’re working freelance or self-employed in the entertainment industry.

This practical virtual workshop offers a simple, visual framework designed for sole proprietors and freelancers. Through a step-by-step walkthrough, you’ll learn how to organize your income, set aside money for taxes, track expenses, and build a more manageable approach to saving.

Whether you’re new to self-employment or want more structure in your existing financial practices, this session will give you practical tools to make sense of your business finances and feel more confident managing your money.

Who Should Attend

Self-employed individuals, independent contractors, creative service providers, and freelancers who want a clearer, more organized approach to managing their business finances.

Key Takeaways

• Demystifying Taxes: Understand how federal and provincial income taxes and sales taxes work, so you know what you owe.
• The 3-Way Paycheque Split: Learn a simple system for dividing income between personal pay, income tax reserves, and GST/HST.
• Year-Round Financial Tracking: Build an easy routine for tracking income, expenses, and tax obligations.
• Receipt Management: Keep digital and physical receipts organized and audit-ready.
• Filing Deadlines: Understand when and how to file personal income tax and GST/HST returns.
• Registered Savings Decoded: Learn how RRSPs, TFSAs, and FHSAs can support tax planning and long-term savings.
• Bonus: Free tools to help you put these practices into action.

Free Self-employed Toolkit

All participants get free access to a complete self-employed toolkit:

• Self-Employed Income & Expense Tracker: A simple spreadsheet to help you track your day-to-day business finances.
• Customizable Invoice Template: A professional, adaptable template for billing clients.
• Personal Finance Spreadsheet: Tools to help you budget, plan debt repayment, divide your income, and set short- and long-term financial goals.
• Animated Video Series: Bite-sized videos that revisit key workshop topics whenever you need a refresher.

Important Note

Our workshops provide general information and strategies and do not offer personalized advice. The expert may not be able to answer all participants’ questions.

Accessibility 

ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions (35 languages) are available. If you require additional accommodations to make this event accessible, please get in touch, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Recording

This event will not be recorded.

Register Now

Meet Chris James

Chris James (he/him) is a community educator, actor (ACTRA & Equity), and entrepreneur with over 20 years of business management experience. Dedicated to demystifying the business finances of artistry and small businesses, Chris leads dynamic financial literacy workshops across colleges and universities and is currently developing an animated series and digital toolset to make these concepts more accessible.

Alongside teaching and creative projects, Chris manages two charity initiatives, including a community self-defence workshop where he uses his drive and resourcefulness to foster meaningful change.

Photo: Denise Grant Photography

The post Financial Literacy for the Self‑Employed appeared first on AFC.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental health first aid gives you the practical skills to recognize signs of mental health distress and provide immediate support until professional help is available.

Most of us are familiar with CPR and know what to do in a cardiac emergency. But what about a mental health crisis? With stress and uncertainty affecting our community more than ever, knowing how to respond can make a vital difference.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Courses are developed by Opening Minds/Mental Health Commission of Canada. The AFC offers the MHFA Essentials Course and the MHFA Certification Course (available only for private group bookings).

Who Needs Mental Health First Aid Training?

Everyone! The AFC’s Mental Health First Aid courses are beneficial for anyone working in Canada’s performing arts and entertainment industry. Our goal is to help ensure every workplace has someone trained in MHFA and to empower more people to feel confident supporting colleagues, friends, and community members who may be experiencing mental health challenges.

MHFA Essentials Course

This streamlined one-day immersive course uses interactive discussions and scenario-based activities to build a strong foundation in MHFA principles.

You will learn how to:

Course Logistics

• Format: Fully facilitated sessions, offered virtually or in person
• Length: 8 hours (including breaks)

Course Fee

The cost is $240 per participant. Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; participants must attend the session they registered for.

Subsidized Spots

A very limited number of subsidized spots is available for each online course. Applications for subsidized spots are accepted only for specific course dates and open two weeks before the course starts.

Join our mailing list to be notified when registration for subsidized spots opens. We’re committed to making this training accessible to everyone. Subsidized spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please only register if you are certain you can attend. 

Please note: Subsidized spots are intended for individuals working in Canada’s entertainment industry who would otherwise be unable to afford the training.

Subsidized spots for the MHFA Essentials Course on September 24 are now available.

Accessibility

Closed captions and translated captions are enabled. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us in advance — we’ll do our best to meet your needs.

Union Reimbursement Opportunities

Members of several industry unions may be eligible for training reimbursement upon successful completion of The AFC’s Mental Health First Aid Courses.

Available on Demand

Please contact Cindy Rivers at cindy@afchelps.ca to book these courses:

• MHFA Essentials (In-person)
• MHFA Essentials (French)
• MHFA Certification Course

The post Mental Health First Aid Training – MHFA Essentials appeared first on AFC.

Do you work in the performing arts and entertainment industry and face barriers in accessing mental health services? Do you experience challenges that impact your ability to do the work you love?

Our Counselling Pilot Program might be the solution for you. This pilot program is currently offered to residents of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

Program Highlights:

• Short-term counselling services;
• Costs of counselling services are covered by The AFC;
• Counsellors and therapists have experience working with arts and entertainment professionals, or have first-hand experience of working in the industry;
• Weekly or bi-weekly counselling sessions delivered by phone or video to help with issues like anxiety, depression, life transitions, or stress;
• Up to a maximum of 8 sessions per client that must be used within 6 months from the date of the first session;
• Feedback surveys to help us further develop the program.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for our Counselling Pilot Program, you must meet both professional and financial criteria.

Professional Eligibility:

• You must work professionally in the Canadian performing arts and entertainment, specifically music, theatre, dance, film and TV, opera, and other performing arts disciplines.
• You must have done some type of paid work in your profession within the last 12 months.
• We encourage you to provide documentation to support your professional eligibility: a current resume/CV, link to your IMDB page, or similar.

Financial Eligibility:

• You are eligible if you have no insurance and/or cannot meet counselling costs through work or personal insurance.
• You are eligible if you can document financial need, meaning that you have less than $10,000 in accessible assets.
• You must be able to provide an overview of your bank balances: bank statements or screenshots from your banking app.

How to apply:

Book a screening appointment through our Navigator service. Mention the ‘Counselling Pilot’ when booking.

Important Notes:

• Commercial photographers and visual artists typically do not qualify for this program.
• Having any mental health benefits or significant savings typically means that you are not eligible for this program.

This pilot program offers a very limited number of spots. We prioritize those with the most explicit need for funded mental health support. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us before applying to discuss your specific situation. Let’s work together to support your mental well-being!

The post Counselling Pilot appeared first on AFC.